Events and Entertainment

For a small town we have an abundance of both events and entertainment options. There is a festival for every season like Apple Harvest Fest or the Chili Cook Off downtown or the 4 day Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance just up the road in Trumansburg. There’s also art galleries, theaters, outdoor music, yoga, bowling, dance, an independent movie theater… Both Cornell University and Ithaca College have theaters and events open to the public and a couple of the bars have live music a few times a week.

Downtown Ithaca Festivals and Concerts

This is a great site to find out about upcoming festivals that happen just around the corner on the Commons. Most festivals include great local food, a craft market and music. In the summertime there is live music on the outdoor stage in bank alley every Thursday night and all year round there’s gallery night every first Friday.

VisitIthaca.com

On this site you will find events scheduled throughout Tompkins County as well as links to all the local theaters.

State Theatre of Ithaca

Built in 1915, converted into a theatre in 1928, and refurbished many times since, the State is Ithaca’s premiere not-for-profit, historic venue for national and international acts: bands, comedians, musicals and writers, like Joan Baez, Lilly Tomlin and David Cedaris.

Cinemapolis

A not-for-profit independent theater that shows first run films. Cinemapolis specializes in independent, foreign and locally produced films. Their concession stand uses real butter on their popcorn and has fresh baked cookies.

The Range

Located halfway down the Commons on the upper level, the Range books bands from all over the country. They are known for their swing night, reggae night, great drinks, dance floor and fun décor.

Viva Taqueria

Pasta Vitto

Ithaca Ale House

Mahogany Grill

Simeon’s American Bistro